Sachin Tendulkar Endorses Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Test Cricket But With One Big Condition

The calls for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut have grown louder with every innings he has played in IPL 2026.

Now, even Sachin Tendulkar has admitted he would like to see the 15-year-old represent India in Test cricket one day.

But the batting legend also issued a note of caution.

Speaking at the Cricinfo Honours in Mumbai on Saturday, where he was named the greatest men's international batter of the 21st century, Tendulkar said Sooryavanshi possesses a rare talent but should not be rushed into international cricket before he is ready.

His comments came in the presence of BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who is expected to play a key role in deciding the teenager's future pathway.

"Everyone would want to see him play Test cricket"

After a remarkable IPL campaign in which Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30, discussions around his future have expanded beyond T20 cricket.

The Rajasthan Royals opener showcased a different side to his game in the playoffs, compiling mature knocks of 97 and 96 under vastly different conditions, convincing many observers that he possesses the temperament required for longer formats.

When asked whether he would like to see Sooryavanshi play Test cricket, Tendulkar admitted the prospect excites him.

"When Ajit is sitting here, I better be careful what I am saying. I'm not a selector," Tendulkar joked.

"Not just me, but everyone would want to see him [playing Test cricket] at some stage. I don't know when that is going to happen."

However, Tendulkar stressed that the teenager's development should not be dictated by public pressure.

Tendulkar fiires warning amid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi India debut clamour

While fans and experts continue to debate whether Sooryavanshi is ready for international cricket, Tendulkar believes the focus should remain on nurturing rather than rushing him.

"But an exciting talent needs encouragement. And if he's doing well, then we need to encourage and support him and enjoy above all and not put pressure on him constantly, you know, he should play this, or he shouldn't be doing this, or he should be picked in whatever squad."

"Leave that to the guys [selectors] who are responsible for that."

The comments carry extra weight given Tendulkar's own experience as a teenage prodigy.

The Master Blaster made his Test debut at just 16 years of age during India's tour of Pakistan in 1989 before going on to become the highest run-scorer in international cricket history.

What impressed Sachin Tendulkar the most?

Interestingly, it wasn't Sooryavanshi's six-hitting ability that stood out most to Tendulkar.

The former India captain said the youngster's technique and ability to manipulate the field caught his eye.

"Everyone is talking about Sooryavanshi, and I watched him bat - it was magnificent."

"I mean he is something truly special."

"And not just the ability to hit the ball, but what also fascinated me was the wrist work that he has."

According to Tendulkar, the teenager's shot-making range stems from technical qualities rather than brute force.

"To be able to play in all directions of the ground, you need good wrist work. And he is not slogging the ball."

"He is just picking the line and length earlier than the rest of the guys and he is able to clear the rope comfortably."

The advice Tendulkar would give Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Perhaps the most telling part of Tendulkar's assessment was his reluctance to alter Sooryavanshi's natural approach.

The batting icon believes overcoaching could do more harm than good.

"I would tell him to just be himself."

"He's kind of a player who looks very confident, very, very sure of what he wants to do and I would not want to play around with his natural instincts."

"The way he sees the ball and the way he responds to that, if that signal is interrupted - if you put a lot of hurdles in between that by telling him multiple things - that's where the real challenge would be."

Instead, Tendulkar believes experience and maturity will naturally help the youngster adapt to different formats.

"There is always a first time. In Test cricket, along with age, he will learn how to deal with various challenges."

"[It's about] having a solution-oriented mindset. Problems are always going to be there. Problems will be there till the last day of your career, till the last ball you face."

A Test future - but not yet

Tendulkar's message was ultimately clear.

Yes, he sees a future where Sooryavanshi plays Test cricket for India.

Yes, he believes the teenager possesses something special.

But the key condition is patience. Rather than accelerating his rise because of one extraordinary IPL season, Tendulkar wants Indian cricket to allow Sooryavanshi the time and space to evolve naturally.

Given that the teenager has already been selected for the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka and is reportedly in contention for India's Asian Games squad, the next chapter of his journey may not be far away.

But if Tendulkar's advice is anything to go by, the focus should not be on how quickly Sooryavanshi reaches Test cricket.

It should be on ensuring that when he does get there, he is ready to stay.